The 'E' Type Forum

I know the front E-Type registration plate is an issue which has been discussed many times but I cannot find a definitive answer as to whether, in the UK, vinyl figures (without any background) are legal and will pass an MOT. Have recently spotted this car around (not mine). Any assistance appreciated.






Spence
1973 S3 2+2

I have been driving around for years with a vinyl registration on the front of the bonnet with no issues. My contention is that this was how the car came originally.

The DVLA have confirmed the 'custom and practice' of the position of the E-Type plate is legal provided it is visible. It must be displayed as white/silver characters on a black background, and the appropriate size/style font for the year of first registration. Moe Info here: viewtopic.php?p=41625#p41625

Mine has only ever had a stick on front 'plate'. For several years this was a white reflective plate rather than the black one it currently wears.

A friend from years ago served his apprenticeship at a Jaguar dealer. One of his first jobs was sticking a number plate on an E-Type. He stood back and realised it was a bit squint, so he pulled it off - along with the top coat of paint! This would have been in the early 1960s. AFAIAA, UK E-Types never required solid front plates.

Another friend, once a lister on this site, owned a S2 OTS, which for the last few years he drove it had no front number plate. It passed its MOT every year like that.

On the OP's specific point I know of another car (S3 2+2) which has black lettering directly on its powder blue paintwork.

I’ve had my E-type 25 years in March 2026 and have always had simple white self adhesive letters on my bonnet with no issues on legality.
I guess it helps that being a dark green colour, the contrast is sufficient not to draw attention to any potential requirement for a black rectangular backing for the letters, as opposed to a light coloured car which would need such a backing for clarity.



Regards,
Dave